HONOLULU (KHON2) -- It's that time again. KHON2.com's Unfit Adventurer did something a bit different this week.
We went out to the Hawaiʻi Kai Community Garden to learn how to farm. We were able to catch up with local ethnobotanist and farmer Dr. Nat Bletter and the president of Hawaiʻi Kai's garden, Leonard Smotherman.
Gardening isn’t just for people with sprawling yards and green thumbs anymore. In the bustling community of Hawaiʻi Kai, a new wave of urban farming is turning small plots into lush, productive gardens.
Smotherman and Dr. Bletter are part of a force leading the charge in innovative planting techniques that make the most out of limited space. They are working with the Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation in their Community Recreational Gardening Program.
A garden for the community
Smotherman, who has been deeply involved with the Hawaiʻi Kai Community Garden for about a decade, shared the garden’s mission.
“The community gardens started nearly 50 years ago under Mayor Fauci,” Smotherman said. “The goal was to give people living in high-density areas a chance to get their hands in the dirt. It’s a place where beginners and master gardeners can come together, learn from each other, and enjoy gardening.”
The community garden features around 45 individual plots where residents can grow their own vegetables, fruits and flowers.
“We have people who’ve never gardened before and others who are seasoned pros. It’s all about learning and sharing,” Smotherman added. “Next September, we’ll celebrate our 50th anniversary at the Foster Botanical Garden. It’s a testament to how community gardening has grown and evolved.”
Dr. Nat Bletter's high-density urban farming techniques
Dr. Bletter, a botanist and urban farmer known for his expertise in ethnobotany, has been working with Smotherman to enhance the garden’s productivity.
Dr. Bletter runs an edible landscaping business called Natty by Nature and applies advanced techniques to maximize yields in small spaces.
“During the pandemic, I started Natty by Nature to help people transform their gardens using high-density urban farming methods,” Dr. Bletter explained. “These techniques are perfect for those who want to grow more in less space.”
One of the standout methods Dr. Bletter uses is Hugelkultur, a German permaculture technique.
“Hugelkultur involves creating raised garden beds with decomposing wood. We bury large logs and then cover them with smaller branches and soil,” Dr. Bletter explained. “As the logs break down, they become spongy, providing a slow-release source of fertilizer and water. It’s excellent for growing water-hungry plants like mint, which might struggle in the dry conditions of Hawaiʻi Kai.”
The Hugelkultur beds in the garden are brimming with a variety of plants.
“We have perennial peanuts, which are fantastic for fixing nitrogen in the soil and suppressing weeds,” Dr. Bletter said. “And we use invasive plants like haole koa as mulch to enrich the soil while also reducing weed problems.”
Innovative techniques for urban spaces
Dr. Bletter also introduced Oyas, traditional water-holding pots made from terracotta.
“Oyas are simple but effective. You fill them with water, and they release it slowly into the soil,” he said. “You can also make your own with a terracotta pot and a cork. It’s a great way to provide a steady water supply without wasting resources.”
Another important technique Dr. Bletter employs is Biochar.
“Biochar is charcoal made from burning wood at a low temperature. It has lots of tiny pores that trap nutrients and water,” Dr. Bletter explained. “By mixing biochar into the soil, you create a long-lasting reservoir for nutrients, reducing the need for frequent fertilization.”
Dr. Bletter’s expertise in grafting is another highlight of his approach.
“Grafting is like plant surgery. You combine two plants to take advantage of their best traits,” he said. “For example, I grafted a blush round eggplant onto a robust rootstock to get more fruit from a single plant.”
One of Dr. Bletter’s projects involved grafting different varieties of Plumeria.
“I’ve grafted a white-flowered Plumeria onto a purple-flowered one to create a rainbow tree,” he said. “It’s a way to add diversity and beauty to the garden, even in a small space.”
The impact of high-density urban farming
Dr. Bletter’s methods are already showing results.
“We’ve been using these techniques for just a few months, and the garden is thriving,” he said. “The combination of Hugelkultur, Oyas, biochar, and grafting has transformed the space. The plants are healthier, produce more, and use water and nutrients more efficiently.”
Smotherman has been impressed with the changes.
“Dr. Bletter’s techniques have really boosted our garden. The Hugelkultur beds and the Oyas are making a big difference,” he said. “It’s exciting to see how these innovative methods are helping our community garden flourish.”
Community and growth
The Hawaiʻi Kai Community Garden is a vibrant example of how urban gardening can bring people together and make the most of limited space.
With the help of experts like Dr. Bletter and dedicated volunteers like Smotherman, the garden continues to grow and adapt, providing fresh produce and a sense of community to its members.
As Dr. Bletter said, “Gardening in small spaces is about being creative and making the most of what you have. Whether it’s through Hugelkultur, Oyas, or grafting, there are so many ways to grow a productive garden even in a tiny area.”
The future of urban gardening in Hawaiʻi Kai looks bright; and with ongoing innovation and community support, the garden will continue to thrive and inspire others to get their hands dirty and grow their own food.
Natty by Nature offers fun edible foraging hikes where you can learn about wild plants that are safe to eat.
Dr. Nat Bletter leads these hikes, showing people how to find and identify plants that grow naturally in the area.
“On these hikes, I show people how to find wild plants that are not only edible but also tasty and nutritious.” He emphasized the educational aspect, noting, “It’s a fantastic way to learn about local plants and how they can be used in everyday cooking.”
On these hikes, you’ll discover how to pick and use these plants in cooking. It’s a great way to explore nature, learn about different plants, and enjoy healthy, wild foods.
Dr. Bletter also mentioned the excitement of discovering new flavors. “Participants often find it thrilling to taste wild foods they’ve never tried before, and it really connects them with nature," he added.
Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience, these hikes are a cool way to connect with nature and add new flavors to your meals.
We met a novice farmer
While digging deep into the world of gardening, we met Vivian and Alexander who are brand new members of the Hawaiʻi Kai Community Garden. Vivian explained more as Alexander watered their tiny garden.
"We got involved here at the Hawaii Kai Community Gardens because I learned gardening from my mother, and it's a way to keep that family tradition growing," said Vivian.
But their foray into high-density urban gardening has a bit of a practical side to it.
"From a practical standpoint, we save money on herbs like basil," added Vivian. "It's also a really meditative and relaxing experience to be out here with the plants. I can get into a zone or get into flow when I'm gardening, and it really takes my troubles away."
How you can get involved
Honolulu’s Department of Parks and Recreation (DP&R) runs tjhis special community garden program that lets people grow their own fruits and vegetables.
There are gardens located all around the island where you can rent ($25 per year) a small garden plot. After signing up and paying a small fee, you get your own space to plant and take care of your garden.
These community gardens are perfect for people who live in apartments or places without their own gardens.
They help people learn about gardening, meet others, and enjoy fresh produce they’ve grown themselves. It’s a fun way to connect with nature and be part of a community.
To find out more about where the community gardens are located, click here. To learn more about Natty by Nature's edible foraging hikes or urban gardening guidance, you can go to YouTube, Facebook, Instagram or his website, nattybynature.net.
If you cannot obtain a plot at the community gardens, then urban gardening can be done on the smallest pieces of land. So, check out Dr. Bletter's advice and techniques for embarking on a high-density urban farming.
Don't worry. Our adventures with Dr. Bletter are far from done. KHON2.com's Unfit Adventurer will be going on one of his edible foraging hikes to find out how to identify food out in nature. So, stay tuned for that adventure coming to you on Friday, Sept. 20.